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ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday underscored the government’s commitment to transparency in the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), calling it one of the largest financial transactions in the country’s history, while reiterating his offer of dialogue to political parties in the interest of national stability and progress.
Speaking before the meeting of the federal cabinet, the prime minister said the bidding process for PIA would be conducted through sealed bids placed in see-through boxes, with live television coverage to ensure complete transparency.
He said envelopes would only be opened after the price determination, and the award would be given through a competitive bidding process to the highest bidder.
“This entire process had to be made transparent and credible because Pakistan is moving towards one of its biggest transactions,” the prime minister said, adding that once the bidding is completed successfully, private sector participation would gain momentum. He stressed that the outcome of the bidding process would be brought back to the cabinet for final approval, and urged cabinet members to participate actively so that decisions could be taken with collective wisdom.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the efforts of the relevant ministries and cabinet members for advancing the privatisation process, particularly commending the contributions of the deputy prime minister, the defence minister and the finance minister. He described the day as significant for PIA’s privatisation and expressed confidence that a transparent process would help improve economic management.
During the meeting, the prime minister also congratulated the nation on Pakistan’s victory in the Under-19 Asia Cup, calling it a moment of pride for the country.
He further referred to the recent conferment of the King Abdulaziz Award on Pakistan’s field marshal in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stating that the honour belonged not to an individual but to the entire nation, and reflected Pakistan’s collective dignity and standing.
On the political situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he had consistently invited Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and other political stakeholders to dialogue. He reiterated that if PTI was serious about talks, the government of Pakistan was fully prepared to engage.
However, he made it clear that dialogue could not proceed under the shadow of illegality or blackmail. “Talks can move forward in the light of legitimate demands and constitutional principles,” he said, adding that harmony among political parties was essential for Pakistan’s development and prosperity.
The prime minister concluded by reaffirming that national interest would remain the guiding principle of the government’s decisions, particularly in matters affecting economic reform, political stability and public confidence.